What is "chiral resolution"

n. (context chemistry English) A process in stereochemistry to separate racemic compounds into their enantiomers.

Chiral resolution in stereochemistry is a process for the separation of racemic compounds into their enantiomers. It is an important tool in the production of optically active drugs. Other terms with the same meaning are optical resolution and mechanical resolution.

One disadvantage of chiral resolution of racemates compared to direct asymmetric synthesis of one of the enantiomers is that only 50% of a desired enantiomer is obtained. Several methods exist.